Bell makes impressive return as England cruise

London: Ian Bell hit an unbeaten 84 on his first One-Day International appearance since November 2008 to guide England to a six-wicket win over Bangladesh on Thursday.

England cruised home with 29 balls to spare in the first match of the series at Trent Bridge, comfortably overhauling Bangladesh’s 250 for nine.

Bell, recalled for the series as a replacement for the injured Kevin Pietersen, made the most of his opportunity with a confident knock.

Captain Andrew Strauss (50) and Craig Kieswetter (32) gave England a solid start to their reply while Paul Collingwood (33) shared a third-wicket stand of 80 with Bell.

Roqibul Hassan top-scored with 76 and Junaid Siddique hit 51 for Bangladesh, whose total was their second-highest against England in one-dayers.

Roqibul was making his first start since returning to the side three months after he retired from all cricket in March, then changed his mind a week later, only to be banned by the Bangladesh Cricket Board until June 30 for upsetting the team’s plan.

James Anderson was plundered for 74 runs from his 10 overs although the pacemen did claim three wickets.